Swim advisory posted at park

Published: Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 1:02 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 1:02 p.m.

Port Fisher | A swimming advisory is in effect at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area beach access in Kure Beach because of bacteria levels that exceed state and federal standards for recreational water quality.

Samples taken Monday at the beach, off Loggerhead Road, showed levels of enterococci, or fecal bacteria, higher than the limit of 104 parts per 100 milliliters.

Enterococci are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and can indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with high levels of the bacteria have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.

Swimming advisories affect water within 200 feet of posted signs. The beach is not closed, and the advisory doesn't affect the rest of Kure Beach.

State officials will continue testing the site, removing the sign and notifying the public when bacteria levels decrease.

<p>Port Fisher | A swimming advisory is in effect at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area beach access in Kure Beach because of bacteria levels that exceed state and federal standards for recreational water quality.</p><p>Samples taken Monday at the beach, off Loggerhead Road, showed levels of enterococci, or fecal bacteria, higher than the limit of 104 parts per 100 milliliters.</p><p>Enterococci are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and can indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with high levels of the bacteria have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.</p><p>Swimming advisories affect water within 200 feet of posted signs. The beach is not closed, and the advisory doesn't affect the rest of Kure Beach.</p><p>State officials will continue testing the site, removing the sign and notifying the public when bacteria levels decrease.</p><p>- Kate Elizabeth Queram</p>